Collector orders probe into encroachment allegations

Vadodara: Days after allegations of encroachment near Vishwamitri River surfaced against Manav Infrastructure, district collector Avantika Singh has ordered an inquiry in the matter.
Singh on Monday asked the city prant officer to form a committee and submit a fact-finding report to her. The move came after city Congress leaders met Singh and demanded inquiry into the matter.
"I have asked the city prant to inquire two points that come under our jurisdiction.The fact-finding report will focus on allegations of encroachment and whether the structure build there would lead to floods. Further action will be taken after I get the report," Singh told TOI.
Congress councilor and Vadodara Mahila Congress president, Ami Ravat said, "Manav Infrastructure that is building the Mall near VUDA circle has encroached on the government land and even covered a portion of Vishwamitri River. I had written a letter to VMC in January this year demanding that the encroachments be removed. Even a committee formed by VMC concluded that the encroachment has happened and it should be removed."
"But no action followed. So I met the collector and sought an inquiry. The builder is making 800 houses under CM housing scheme and we are not opposing it. Our objection is to the encroachment done on the river and government land," she added.